No. 6 Granite Hills at No. 2 Cathedral Catholic
The Dons have been dominant, winning by wide margins behind quarterback Brady Palmer and running back Honor Fa’alave. But Granite Hills can sling it — QB Zac Benitez ranks 15th in the state and second in the San Diego Section with 1,582 passing yards, and WR Noah Walker is fifth in the section with 477 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Add RB Davion Williams’ 380 rushing yards, and the Eagles bring plenty of firepower. Cathedral’s defense will be tested, but the Dons’ balance and depth, plus their ability to finish games, make them the safe pick.
Prediction: Cathedral Catholic 45, Granite Hills 28
No. 9 Mount Miguel at No. 23 Oceanside
The Matadors continue to find ways to win close games, especially on the road. Oceanside’s schedule has been brutal — already three top-six opponents — and this one is no easier. Mount Miguel has thrived in these “coin-flip” games and should have just enough offensive punch to edge the Pirates. Most polls have Oceanside rated considerably higher than we do, and why not with their strength of schedule, but we’re going with the Matadors here.
Prediction: Mount Miguel 34, Oceanside 28
Madison at Christian (Valley Stadium)
Christian may be just 1–3, but QB Kaleb Runkle is 13th in the section with 940 passing yards, and WR Kai Rosier has 405 receiving yards, 14th in the section. RB Hank Houston brings balance with four rushing touchdowns and 33 tackles on defense, making him one of the Patriots’ most important two-way players. Madison has had its struggles with a rugged schedule, but the Warhawks are always a tough matchup and a new one, really, for the Patriots. With Christian stepping up its competition this year, this one figures to be tight throughout.
Prediction: Madison 22, Christian 18
Santana at Fallbrook
Santana comes off a bye, while Fallbrook looks to ride home-field as the Sultans take the long bus ride. This is a near toss-up. The Sultans have been solid so far, but Fallbrook has the defensive grit to keep this low-scoring. However, the Sultans are looking to bounce back from a decisive loss to a hot Olympian team before their off-week. Santana Defensive lineman Jordyn Gillissie ranks tied for sixth in the county with 5.5 sacks, while return man Denton Goar leads the East County with 225 total return yards, giving Santana dangerous field-position potential. Fallbrook counters with a physical, grind-it-out approach. In what rates as one of the week’s closest games, Fallbrook’s home edge is just enough.
Prediction: Fallbrook 24, Santana 23
Mira Mesa at Grossmont
Grossmont has history on its side, having beaten Mira Mesa twice last year (regular season and playoffs). The Hillers can lean on their playmakers to control the tempo and should be able to pull this one off in the second half. The Grossmont defense seems to be dramatically improved and the final score here may be their current grade. Still, this team rates the top team in the Grossmont Valley League heading into next week’s league play. DL Ryder Robinson has three sacks, providing needed push on defense for the Foothillers.
Prediction: Grossmont 36, Mira Mesa 31
Dorsey at No. 21 Steele Canyon
Steele Canyon is rolling at 5–0, and their defense has been stingy all season, giving the Cougars that championship look of the past. The Cougars don’t have a statistical standout in the section leaderboards, but Gavin Caha has developed into one of the top throwers in the East County, but their balanced attack has been enough to handle every challenge so far. Dorsey isn’t likely to slow them down despite their long-term reputation coming in.
Prediction: Steele Canyon 31, Dorsey 15
El Capitan at West Hills
The Tony Burner Memorial Trophy is at stake in this series, and the Vaqueros look like the stronger side once again this season. RB Michael Castillo (369 rushing yards) leads a ground game that’s finding rhythm, while defensively Spencer Chastang and Brewin Ford (38 tackles each) are anchors in the middle. El Cap has become opportunistic on its three-game win streak, and with West Hills’ offensive struggles, the Wolf Pack must protect the ball to stay close enough for an upset. K Christian Slojkowski has three field goals on the year, making special teams a potential factor for the Pack.
Prediction: El Capitan 21, West Hills 10
Helix at No. 18 Mater Dei Catholic
Helix is in need of a spark, but RB Bryson Calloway (337 rushing yards) provides one bright spot offensively. On defense, LBs Donte Wright and Jeremy Davis (33 tackles each) are steady presences. But MDC has been tested by a tough slate and looks strong enough at home to edge the Highlanders in another close one.
Prediction: Mater Dei Catholic 29, Helix 23
Victory Christian Academy at Mountain Empire
The Red Hawks are thriving under their new coach and have weapons in the backfield. RB Elisha Lashone Robinson has six rushing touchdowns, while LB Jason Landman is tied for 10th in the section with 51 tackles. Those two have set the tone for Mountain Empire’s resurgence. This one should be one-sided.
Prediction: Mountain Empire 42, Victory Christian 7
Viewpoint at Foothills Christian
Foothills has talent in RB Jack Sudi, the East County rushing leader with 477 yards, and LB Tuchon Phoenix, who has 32 tackles. But Viewpoint’s overall depth and firepower make them heavy favorites. The Knights will need a near-perfect effort to stay competitive.
Prediction: Viewpoint 49, Foothills Christian 14
